Main Types of High Pressure Valves & When to Use Them

High pressure valves are used to regulate the flow of liquids, gases and other media through tubing, pipes, tanks, and other containers. There are several valve types to choose from, including some that provide on/off control.  The type of high pressure valve you choose depends on the specific requirements of your application. Here, we will discuss the various types of valves and the key factors you should consider when selecting a valve for your application.  

Features to Consider When Choosing a Valve 

There are several things to consider when selecting a valve, including:

 

  • Media Type. When determining the best valve for your needs, it is important to consider your process.   For example, Is the fluid corrosive?  Are you using gas? 
  • Application. It’s crucial to select the correct valve sizing based on your application’s requirements. It’s also important to consider the environment where the valve will operate.   Understanding conditions such as temperature, flow rate, and pressure will help you determine the best valve option. 
  • Valve Function. Consider how you need the valve to function and whether it will be used for on/off control or flow control  in a system. It is also important to determine if the valve you require will be operated by hand or via an actuator for remote control applications.     
  • Actuation. Consider whether the valve should be “air to close–normally open” or “air to open–normally closed”.    

Types of Valves

At Maxpro, we carry several valve styles to suit many applications:  

 

Air to Close, Normally Open Valve Actuators

Air to close valves are held in the open position by the valve spring and require air pressure to move them into the closed position. Choose this valve if you want to vent pressure in the line if you were to lose power.

 

Air to Open, Normally Closed Valve Actuators

Air to open valves are held in the closed position by the valve spring and require air pressure to move them into the open position. Choose this valve to maintain pressure in the line during a power failure.  

 

Ball Valves

Maximator ball valves are capable of handling liquids and gases up to 21,000 psi at room temperature.  Ball valves have larger orifices resulting in increased flow.  Choose this valve for your control panel or other hydraulic system if flow is the most important factor.  

Block and Bleed Valves

Maximator block and bleed valves are compact and easy to use.  Block and bleed valves are two-stem manifold valves designed for blocking, bleeding and calibrating  pressure gauges and transmitters up to 22,500 psi @ room temperature. 

 

Cryogenic Valves

Maximator cryogenic needle valves are designed to work with  line temperatures to -423°F.    For example:  This valve can be used  on high pressure nitrogen injection trucks and skids to control the flow of nitrogen.  

 

Electric Flow Control Valves

Electric flow control valves use an electric control signal to meter small flow rates with repeatable and precise control for liquids and gases. These valves are for metering only and are not ideal for complete shutoff applications.  One example of an application would be simulating a down hole environment by pressurizing or venting a large volume vessel with a controlled pressure ramp rate.  

 

High Pressure Adjustable Relief Valves

Maxpro proportional pressure relief valves are designed to protect systems and components from over-pressure for both gas and liquid applications.  The unique poppet design allows for chatter free pressure release and excellent deadband pressure control.  

 

High Pressure Check Valves

High pressure check valves permit fluid flow in one direction only, thus preventing backflow in high pressure applications.

 

High Pressure Needle Valves

Maximator high pressure needle valves  provide on/off control of fluids and gases.  These  valves are used in conjunction with high pressure fittings and tubing to plumb systems to 101,000 psi.  

 

High Pressure Pipe Valves

Maximator pipe valves with metal to metal seats provide on/off control for fluids and gases and are rated up to 15,200 psi.  

 

Manifold Blocks

 A manifold is a component used to simultaneously connect multiple parts into a system so all parts are exposed to the same circuit conditions (such as media or pressure).  A manifold is used in place of multiple connections between components.   For example:  A manifold can be used  to hydrostatically test multiple parts at the same time.

 

Micro-Metering Valves

Micro-metering valves are designed for metering small flow rates with precise, repeatable control for both gases and liquids.   

 

MAXPRO Technologies’ High Pressure Valves

Since 2007, MAXPRO® Technologies has provided top-quality high pressure valve solutions for customers across a diverse range of industries. Our high pressure valves offer a variety of  body pattern options, metal-to-metal seat, non-rotating stem design, and performance in a wide range of temperatures. Our products meet the highest industry standards and can be used in various demanding applications, including food processing, oil and gas, waterjet, and chemical processing.

 

When you partner with MAXPRO, we will work with you to determine the best possible solution for your high pressure valve needs. To learn more about our products and capabilities, check out our High Pressure Valve catalog or contact us today.